Joe Gasior, An Introduction

My wife always tells me that the most direct method is best when it comes to introductions, so here it goes.

Hello, Northfield!  My name is Joe Gasior and I want to represent you on City Council.

That’s pretty direct, and pretty simple.  But who am I?  To some of you, I’m your neighbor, co-worker, fellow Boy Scout or 4-H leader, or a friendly face at Church.  For some, however, I am still just a name.  Over the next several weeks I plan to change that.  Perhaps we’ll meet downtown at one of our City’s community events, or maybe we’ll meet in your neighborhood.  Through this blog, I will show you who I am and where I stand on the issues that affect Northfield and its people.  I also hope that this blog and my Facebook page become ways that we can exchange meaningful dialog.

Here’s a little bit about who I am and what makes up my background.

I am 40 years old, and have worked most of my professional career either managing projects or personnel, and all of the business items such as budgets and timelines, etc. that go along with such a role.  I am currently the Electrical Engineering Department Manager for Mom Brands’ Northfield operations.  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration from Marquette University, and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Drexel University.  I am a licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

However, my work history only paints part of the picture of “Who is Joe Gasior?”  Most important to me is my family.  My wife Betsy and I have been married for almost 18 years, and moved to Northfield in 2003.  We have two sons; one just finished his sophomore year at NHS, and the other just finished his 7th grade year at NMS.

Before moving to Northfield, we lived for five and a half years in Waite Park, MN.  During our time there, I was a member of the Board of Education at St. Joseph’s School, and was appointed to the Parks Board for the City.

With our move to Northfield, my volunteering increased.  I served on DEPAC in the , and currently serve on an advisory committee for the High School’s “Project Lead the Way” program.  I also served the through the Site and Facilities Committee and was involved in the .  A few years ago, I was on several taskforces at , and served on the Youth and Family Board.  Just this past spring, I was again elected to serve St. John’s on the Youth and Education board.

I have been a volunteer with several different organizations for many years both here and in Waite Park.  I have coached various sports teams on which my children were involved.  I am a registered adult leader within Rice County, serving the Big Giants 4-H Club, and am very active in Boy scouts, having held many different roles within the BSA.  Currently, I serve as a Committee Member of Troop 313 chartered by St. John’s Lutheran Church, and as District Commissioner for the Rolling Hills District of the Northern Star Council based in St. Paul.  The District consists of Rice, Scott, and Le Sueur Counties.  In this role I direct the Commissioner staff, which consists of 12 volunteers.  Our focus is to provide support to the leaders of the 38 units (Cub Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews) in our District including, but not limited to, problem solving, conflict mediation, and resolution.  I was recently honored as a Distinguished Commissioner and named an Ambassador to Scouting by the District.

As you can see, I like to be an active member of my community.  I believe that being involved in your community is important, regardless of what role you end up filling, or what you choose to do.

Today, I choose to run for the Northfield City Council At-Large seat because I feel it is important to have someone that is fair, balanced, and brings a new set of skills along with a fresh set of eyes to the table.  I want to represent you, and what is important to you.  Talk to you soon.